The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2024 Annual Report has shows that Nigeria continues to witness grave threats to religious freedoms. It pointed out that blasphemy laws are being enforced by several Nigerian states to prosecute individuals belonging to different religious groups, such as Christians, Muslims, and secular humanists. These acts, according to USCIRF, amount to a structured and ongoing infringement on the nation’s right to practice one’s own religion. The Nigerian government was criticized for allowing extremist groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorists to carry out acts of violence.
It noted that these organizations prey on both Muslim and Christian populations, which breeds instability and dread among the populace. To make matters worse, religious sites and members of these communities are often targets of violence. Based on Nigeria’s persistent and flagrant abuses of religious freedom, USCIRF has recommended that the U.S Department of State designates the nation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Under the direction of Chair Stephen Schneck and Vice Chair Eric Ueland, the commission has brought attention to Nigeria’s alarming judicial system, which permits the application of Shari’a law in certain states.
12 northern states have adopted Shari’a law systems.
In Nigeria, blasphemy cases are a big and controversial problem, especially in the northern areas where Shari’a law is in effect. Notwithstanding the Nigerian Constitution’s ban on federal or state governments designating one official religion, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 12 northern states have adopted Shari’a law systems. In criminal proceedings, some of these states implement Shari’a law, which carries harsh penalties like stoning, caning, and amputation for crimes like blasphemy, stealing or other minor offenses.
Numerous notable examples were highlighted in the report, including the arrest of the Humanist Association of Nigeria president, Mubarak Bala, for blasphemy in 2020 after he posted remarks on Facebook that were considered disrespectful to Islam. A Shari’a court in Kano State condemned him to 24 years in prison; however, his sentence was subsequently lowered on appeal. More than 20 Christians lost their lives and two churches were destroyed in an event involving Christian Teacher Florence Chukwu that incited Muslim violence in 2006.
These laws are employed to stifle free speech.
Also, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging by a Sharia court in 2020 for allegedly defaming the Prophet Muhammad in a song that he posted on social media. The same year, 13-year-old Omar Farouq was found guilty of blasphemy and given a 10-year prison term. Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a female student, was accused of blasphemy against the Islamic Prophet Muhammad by a crowd in 2022. The mob stoned her and burnt her body on fire. Likewise, a mob accused Usman Buda of blasphemy in 2023 and stoned him to death.
While the constitution ensures freedom of religion, there are serious Human Rights issues with the use of Shari’a law in criminal instances. Critics contend that these laws are frequently employed to stifle free speech, while proponents contend that in primarily Muslim areas, these laws are essential to maintaining religious values. Blasphemy laws have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations like the Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Freedom House, which claim that they infringe upon fundamental rights such as the freedom of Religion and speech.
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Speaking up on the matter, the United Nations (UN) had also voiced worry about the application of blasphemy laws in Nigeria and advocated for the protection of religious and political freedoms. In a similar vein, the European Union (EU) raised concern and urged Nigeria to uphold peoples’ rights to freedom of religion and belief. In broad terms, the international community perpetually exerts pressure on Nigeria to change its blasphemy laws and policies, highlighting the need for these changes in order to protect human rights and advance social cohesion. However, regions where blasphemy laws are well ingrained in their Culture and religion frequently oppose these calls for change.